DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to push for modernization and reforms to address issues on the electoral process that were once again observed in the May 2018 elections.
"During the conduct of the elections, we have again seen the perennial issues curdling our electoral process — vote buying, flying voters, harassments, and other fraudulent schemes meant to subvert the will of the people," she said.
She added that these were made possible by the “antiquated” system that is used in the registration of voters and in casting of votes.
"I hope to see the day when we cast our votes using the fingerprint voting system. Let us take advantage of technology and how it can help us reflect the true choices of the electorate," she said.
After the 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Duterte-Carpio congratulated the men and women behind various agencies such as Comelec, Department of Education (Deped), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who served and made the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections a successful and democratic exercise in the city and the whole country.
"The dedication and courage that you showed and contributed in the electoral process are deeply valued as these allowed the Filipino people to exercise their right to choose their leaders," she said.
The city mayor also congratulated the winners especially those who shunned violence and upheld professionalism, integrity and honesty.
"I hope you continue to hold these values as you serve the people," she said.
She suggested that the Deped, PNP and AFP, should implement the policy that no teacher, policeman, or soldier be removed, transferred or reprimanded because of complaints from candidates. Any complaint against them should be formally filed with the correct office and afforded due process.